To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

1
The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women was created in 1994 as a result of Enrolled Senate Bill 1147 of the Second Session of the 44th Legislature of Oklahoma. The measure, which added several new sections to title 74 O. S., defines the legislative intent and the basis of the Commission’s mission: “In furtherance of its obligation to advance the general welfare of the state, the Legislature is cognizant of its duty to give all citizens their opportunities to reach their full potential. Therefore, the Legislature declares its intent that any inhibiting conditions caused by any factors which impede the ability of an individual to reach the full potential of that individual are matters of public concern.” Such intent covers a broad range of issues and potential actions to be addressed by the Commission.
Mission
The Mission of the Commission is to improve the quality of life for women and families in Oklahoma.
Vision
The Vision of the Commission is to advocate social justice, gender equity, and equal opportunity through effective leadership.
2009-2010 Officers
Chair: Mary Walker, Tulsa
Vice Chair: Lyn Hester, Oklahoma City
Secretary: Kathryn Jones, Oklahoma City
Advisory Council Chair: Joyce Martin, Broken Arrow
Nominating Committee Members: Rebecca Kennedy, Seminole;
Bernice Mitchell, Stillwater; and
Denise Kinzie, Cushing.
2009-2010 Membership – OCSW and Advisory Council
OCSW: The Commission consists of 30 commissioners appointed by the Governor of the State of Oklahoma, the President Pro Tempore of the State Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. A list of Commissioners is attached (Attachment A).
Annual Report 2009-2010 2
Advisory Council: Advisory Council members act as resources and provide expertise to the Commission. Members of the Advisory Council participated in an Orientation early in the program year and served on committees for the Kate Barnard Planning Committee and the Summit. A list of active Advisory Council members is attached (Attachment B).
Representation with National Association of Commissions of Women
Bernice Mitchell served as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Commissions of Women (NACW). The NACW is a membership organization of over 275 state, county, and city commissions on women throughout the United States and is the national advocate for government commissions for women. It holds a unique and positive position for women’s equity and justice and plays a significant role in national policy and legislative development. Oklahoma has been a dues-paying member of the NACW since 1995. In addition, fifteen individual Commissioners and Advisory Council members belong to the NACW.
As a member of the Board of Directors, Commissioner Mitchell participated electronically in meetings of the Board. The Board voted not to have a conference in 09 due to the economic situation many states experienced. Commissioner Mitchell chaired the NACW Elections/Board Development Committee.
2009-2010 Events and Projects
Osteoporosis and Bone Health: Three forums were co-sponsored by the Commission and were held at Seminole State College, Sept. 24, 2009; Northwestern Oklahoma State University at Woodward, Oct. 30, 2009; and at Meridian Career Tech, May 18, 2010.
Kate Barnard Award Presentation and Luncheon: The Commission held its annual Kate Barnard Award Presentation and Luncheon, Feb. 25, 2010. State Supt. of Public Instruction Sandy Garrett was presented the Kate Barnard Award by Commission Chair Mary Walker. In addition, Commissioner Deena Walker presented a historical representation of Kate Barnard. The Kate Barnard Award recognizes excellence in public service on the part of elected or appointed Oklahoma women officials at the state or national level. Lt. Governor Jari Askins, Secretary of State Susan Savage, and Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland attended the event, along with current women legislators and other guests.
OSU Project Highlighting Women Legislators: The Commission cosponsored a project with OSU Library’s Oklahoma History Oral Project Research Program which highlighted women legislators. The project included interviews with the legislators, printing and distribution of posters, development of a website and curriculum.
Oklahoma Women’s County-by-County Status: A Baseline Statistical Report for 2010: The Commission collaborated with the Oklahoma State University Library to develop and publish this report. Undergraduate students enrolled in Women and Politics courses conducted the research. The report is a county-by-county study showing the status of Oklahoma women and examines 3
demographics, political participation, employment and earning, social and economic autonomy, health data on pregnancy, chronic and communicable diseases, and violence, women’s resources and criminal justice. The full report can be accessed at http://women.library.okstate.edu.
Solutions Initiative Summit (SIS): The Solution Initiative Summit (Oklahoma SIS) grew from a need to address the high incarceration rate of women in Oklahoma. The incarcerated woman has been a topical committee prior of the OCSW for the past decade. In 2004, a Special Task Force for Women Incarcerated in Oklahoma published its findings and recommendations. In October 2009, the OCSW formed a steering committee to focus additional public attention on issues covered in this published report, to adopt an action agenda, and to create partnerships with other organizations including the Oklahoma Women’s Coalition and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. The goal of the Initiative was to hold a Summit on this issue and to collaboratively identify strategies to lower the incarceration rate of women In Oklahoma to under the national average by 2020 in an action plan.
The Steering Committee, composed of members from each of the sponsoring partner organizations, met from October through April formulating a goal, objectives to be achieved by the summit, forming operational committees, a summit agenda; selecting the targeted audience for a summit; determining the spectrum to be addressed; and forming a Blue Ribbon Panel to determine the overarching strategies and action steps. The spectrum of incarceration ranged from prevention to intervention/redirection and finally to re-entry and recidivism.
On April 30, 2010, the efforts of the Steering Committee and Blue Ribbon Panel were realized by the convening of the summit, with state leaders, lawmakers, and citizens from across the state coming together to identify the solutions and adopting a solid plan of action. A statewide non-profit coalition was approved at the summit to continue implementation of the action plan.
Innovative qualities of the summit included endorsement by the Complex Dialogue and the Oklahoma Academy, other distinct groups in the state addressing incarceration was well as several editorial articles, and development of a website to publish the actions of the Steering Committee, identify partners, publish the strategies and solutions, provide the targeted audience with an opportunity to respond to strategies and issues, as well as providing resources.
Annual Retreat: The Commission held its annual planning retreat at the R and R Restaurant, Guthrie, Oklahoma, June 24, 2010. The retreat provided an opportunity for Commissioners, Advisory Council members and invited guests to explore what had been accomplished this past year and directions needed for this coming year and for the next 3 years.
Election of Officers: The election of officers for 2010-2011 was held at the August 26, 2010 regular meeting.
Chair: Mary Walker
Vice-Chair: Joyce Martin
Secretary: Adeline Yerkes 4
Advisory Council Chair: Fern Bowling
Nominating Committee: Patty Bryant and Deena Fisher
Commission Development
Women’s History Moment: A Commissioner or Advisory Council member delivered a brief, relevant presentation at each meeting on a woman or event which broadened commissioners’ knowledge of the role of women in history. Examples included an overview of the project by the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library to obtain funds to erect an Angie Debo Memorial Sculpture; recognition of Gov. Henry Bellmon as the founder of the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women in 1965; and the importance of celebrating women’s achievements.
Orientation for New Commissioners: Kathryn Jones conducted an orientation for new commissioners and announced that each new commissioner would have a current commissioner as a mentor.
Information Binders for Commissioners: Binders which contained copies of the Commission’s Rules, Policies, and Guidelines and parliamentary procedures were prepared and distributed. New commissioners also received copies of the minutes of recent Commission meetings.
Committees
Rather than having three topical committees as in previous years, the efforts of the entire Commission for the year were focused on one topic (Women Incarcerated).
Financial Committee and Personnel Committee: Debbe Leftwich chaired this committee which discussed current and future funding for the Commission as well as current and future staff needs.
Policies and Procedures Committee: Lou Kohlman served as chair of this committee which reviewed the Rules, Policies, and Guidelines and proposed additions, deletions, and changes to the entire Commission. The proposed changes were approved by the Commission at its May 24, 2010 meeting.
Website and Communications Committee: Lyn Hester chaired this committee. Website: During the year, the committee worked with OPM staff to update the OCSW’s website and included pictures and bios of commissioners on the website. Communications: Extensive press coverage was obtained through releases re/ to the relevance of the Oklahoma County Status Report, officers and new commissioners, and the Summit. Legislative Committee: Patty Bryant served as Legislative Coordinator, monitored legislation related to the Commission’s mission, and presented status reports at Commission meetings.
Archives Committee: Jennifer Paustenbaugh chaired this committee which will explore appropriate venues for archiving the Commission’s records. 5
Recognition and Participation of Commissioners and Advisory Council Members in Local and Statewide Events
August 26 – Sen. Debbe Leftwich and Rep. Lee Denney participated in an event at the capitol which celebrated Women’s Equality Day.
September 11 – Advisory Council member Penny Painter was recognized as an activist for women and children with the designation of “Penny Painter Day” by Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor.
September 14 – Rita Aragon was the subject of a front-page, feature article, “Rising above Statistics,” in The Journal Record.
September 22 – Advisory Council member Gail Stricklin was recognized as 1 of 5 recipients to receive the Mona Lambird Spotlight Award, presented by the Oklahoma Bar Association Women in Law Committee.
October 1 – Debbe Leftwich was 1 of 50 Women Making a Difference recognized by The Journal Record.
January 17 – Mary Walker was presented the “Keeping the Dream Alive” Award by the Tulsa Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commeration Society. The award is presented to someone whose life, goals, ideas, and values align with those of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 21 – Deena Fisher was honored as the Woodward Citizen of the Year.
March 16 – Patricia Presley was recognized as a Woman of Achievement in the field of Public Affairs by Zonta Club of Central Oklahoma.
April 21 - Lou Kohlman and Bob Darcy visited with delegations from Malaysia and the Republic of George on the Status of Women in Oklahoma.
May 1 and 2 –Advisory Council Member Pat Martin was selected to participate in the “Southern Women in Public Service Leadership: Bridging the Political Divide” conference sponsored by Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership.
May 19 – Adeline Yerkes selected as one of two delegates to be a chief advocates for women's leadership and equality from Oklahoma at Vision 2020: An American Conversation about Women and Leadership which focuses on advancing gender equality by energizing the dialogue about women and leadership.
June – Advisory Council Member Lou Kerr co-authored A Cup of Cappuccino for the Entrepreneur’s Spirit, The Women Entrepreneurs’ Edition.

1
The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women was created in 1994 as a result of Enrolled Senate Bill 1147 of the Second Session of the 44th Legislature of Oklahoma. The measure, which added several new sections to title 74 O. S., defines the legislative intent and the basis of the Commission’s mission: “In furtherance of its obligation to advance the general welfare of the state, the Legislature is cognizant of its duty to give all citizens their opportunities to reach their full potential. Therefore, the Legislature declares its intent that any inhibiting conditions caused by any factors which impede the ability of an individual to reach the full potential of that individual are matters of public concern.” Such intent covers a broad range of issues and potential actions to be addressed by the Commission.
Mission
The Mission of the Commission is to improve the quality of life for women and families in Oklahoma.
Vision
The Vision of the Commission is to advocate social justice, gender equity, and equal opportunity through effective leadership.
2009-2010 Officers
Chair: Mary Walker, Tulsa
Vice Chair: Lyn Hester, Oklahoma City
Secretary: Kathryn Jones, Oklahoma City
Advisory Council Chair: Joyce Martin, Broken Arrow
Nominating Committee Members: Rebecca Kennedy, Seminole;
Bernice Mitchell, Stillwater; and
Denise Kinzie, Cushing.
2009-2010 Membership – OCSW and Advisory Council
OCSW: The Commission consists of 30 commissioners appointed by the Governor of the State of Oklahoma, the President Pro Tempore of the State Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. A list of Commissioners is attached (Attachment A).
Annual Report 2009-2010 2
Advisory Council: Advisory Council members act as resources and provide expertise to the Commission. Members of the Advisory Council participated in an Orientation early in the program year and served on committees for the Kate Barnard Planning Committee and the Summit. A list of active Advisory Council members is attached (Attachment B).
Representation with National Association of Commissions of Women
Bernice Mitchell served as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Commissions of Women (NACW). The NACW is a membership organization of over 275 state, county, and city commissions on women throughout the United States and is the national advocate for government commissions for women. It holds a unique and positive position for women’s equity and justice and plays a significant role in national policy and legislative development. Oklahoma has been a dues-paying member of the NACW since 1995. In addition, fifteen individual Commissioners and Advisory Council members belong to the NACW.
As a member of the Board of Directors, Commissioner Mitchell participated electronically in meetings of the Board. The Board voted not to have a conference in 09 due to the economic situation many states experienced. Commissioner Mitchell chaired the NACW Elections/Board Development Committee.
2009-2010 Events and Projects
Osteoporosis and Bone Health: Three forums were co-sponsored by the Commission and were held at Seminole State College, Sept. 24, 2009; Northwestern Oklahoma State University at Woodward, Oct. 30, 2009; and at Meridian Career Tech, May 18, 2010.
Kate Barnard Award Presentation and Luncheon: The Commission held its annual Kate Barnard Award Presentation and Luncheon, Feb. 25, 2010. State Supt. of Public Instruction Sandy Garrett was presented the Kate Barnard Award by Commission Chair Mary Walker. In addition, Commissioner Deena Walker presented a historical representation of Kate Barnard. The Kate Barnard Award recognizes excellence in public service on the part of elected or appointed Oklahoma women officials at the state or national level. Lt. Governor Jari Askins, Secretary of State Susan Savage, and Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland attended the event, along with current women legislators and other guests.
OSU Project Highlighting Women Legislators: The Commission cosponsored a project with OSU Library’s Oklahoma History Oral Project Research Program which highlighted women legislators. The project included interviews with the legislators, printing and distribution of posters, development of a website and curriculum.
Oklahoma Women’s County-by-County Status: A Baseline Statistical Report for 2010: The Commission collaborated with the Oklahoma State University Library to develop and publish this report. Undergraduate students enrolled in Women and Politics courses conducted the research. The report is a county-by-county study showing the status of Oklahoma women and examines 3
demographics, political participation, employment and earning, social and economic autonomy, health data on pregnancy, chronic and communicable diseases, and violence, women’s resources and criminal justice. The full report can be accessed at http://women.library.okstate.edu.
Solutions Initiative Summit (SIS): The Solution Initiative Summit (Oklahoma SIS) grew from a need to address the high incarceration rate of women in Oklahoma. The incarcerated woman has been a topical committee prior of the OCSW for the past decade. In 2004, a Special Task Force for Women Incarcerated in Oklahoma published its findings and recommendations. In October 2009, the OCSW formed a steering committee to focus additional public attention on issues covered in this published report, to adopt an action agenda, and to create partnerships with other organizations including the Oklahoma Women’s Coalition and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. The goal of the Initiative was to hold a Summit on this issue and to collaboratively identify strategies to lower the incarceration rate of women In Oklahoma to under the national average by 2020 in an action plan.
The Steering Committee, composed of members from each of the sponsoring partner organizations, met from October through April formulating a goal, objectives to be achieved by the summit, forming operational committees, a summit agenda; selecting the targeted audience for a summit; determining the spectrum to be addressed; and forming a Blue Ribbon Panel to determine the overarching strategies and action steps. The spectrum of incarceration ranged from prevention to intervention/redirection and finally to re-entry and recidivism.
On April 30, 2010, the efforts of the Steering Committee and Blue Ribbon Panel were realized by the convening of the summit, with state leaders, lawmakers, and citizens from across the state coming together to identify the solutions and adopting a solid plan of action. A statewide non-profit coalition was approved at the summit to continue implementation of the action plan.
Innovative qualities of the summit included endorsement by the Complex Dialogue and the Oklahoma Academy, other distinct groups in the state addressing incarceration was well as several editorial articles, and development of a website to publish the actions of the Steering Committee, identify partners, publish the strategies and solutions, provide the targeted audience with an opportunity to respond to strategies and issues, as well as providing resources.
Annual Retreat: The Commission held its annual planning retreat at the R and R Restaurant, Guthrie, Oklahoma, June 24, 2010. The retreat provided an opportunity for Commissioners, Advisory Council members and invited guests to explore what had been accomplished this past year and directions needed for this coming year and for the next 3 years.
Election of Officers: The election of officers for 2010-2011 was held at the August 26, 2010 regular meeting.
Chair: Mary Walker
Vice-Chair: Joyce Martin
Secretary: Adeline Yerkes 4
Advisory Council Chair: Fern Bowling
Nominating Committee: Patty Bryant and Deena Fisher
Commission Development
Women’s History Moment: A Commissioner or Advisory Council member delivered a brief, relevant presentation at each meeting on a woman or event which broadened commissioners’ knowledge of the role of women in history. Examples included an overview of the project by the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library to obtain funds to erect an Angie Debo Memorial Sculpture; recognition of Gov. Henry Bellmon as the founder of the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women in 1965; and the importance of celebrating women’s achievements.
Orientation for New Commissioners: Kathryn Jones conducted an orientation for new commissioners and announced that each new commissioner would have a current commissioner as a mentor.
Information Binders for Commissioners: Binders which contained copies of the Commission’s Rules, Policies, and Guidelines and parliamentary procedures were prepared and distributed. New commissioners also received copies of the minutes of recent Commission meetings.
Committees
Rather than having three topical committees as in previous years, the efforts of the entire Commission for the year were focused on one topic (Women Incarcerated).
Financial Committee and Personnel Committee: Debbe Leftwich chaired this committee which discussed current and future funding for the Commission as well as current and future staff needs.
Policies and Procedures Committee: Lou Kohlman served as chair of this committee which reviewed the Rules, Policies, and Guidelines and proposed additions, deletions, and changes to the entire Commission. The proposed changes were approved by the Commission at its May 24, 2010 meeting.
Website and Communications Committee: Lyn Hester chaired this committee. Website: During the year, the committee worked with OPM staff to update the OCSW’s website and included pictures and bios of commissioners on the website. Communications: Extensive press coverage was obtained through releases re/ to the relevance of the Oklahoma County Status Report, officers and new commissioners, and the Summit. Legislative Committee: Patty Bryant served as Legislative Coordinator, monitored legislation related to the Commission’s mission, and presented status reports at Commission meetings.
Archives Committee: Jennifer Paustenbaugh chaired this committee which will explore appropriate venues for archiving the Commission’s records. 5
Recognition and Participation of Commissioners and Advisory Council Members in Local and Statewide Events
August 26 – Sen. Debbe Leftwich and Rep. Lee Denney participated in an event at the capitol which celebrated Women’s Equality Day.
September 11 – Advisory Council member Penny Painter was recognized as an activist for women and children with the designation of “Penny Painter Day” by Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor.
September 14 – Rita Aragon was the subject of a front-page, feature article, “Rising above Statistics,” in The Journal Record.
September 22 – Advisory Council member Gail Stricklin was recognized as 1 of 5 recipients to receive the Mona Lambird Spotlight Award, presented by the Oklahoma Bar Association Women in Law Committee.
October 1 – Debbe Leftwich was 1 of 50 Women Making a Difference recognized by The Journal Record.
January 17 – Mary Walker was presented the “Keeping the Dream Alive” Award by the Tulsa Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commeration Society. The award is presented to someone whose life, goals, ideas, and values align with those of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 21 – Deena Fisher was honored as the Woodward Citizen of the Year.
March 16 – Patricia Presley was recognized as a Woman of Achievement in the field of Public Affairs by Zonta Club of Central Oklahoma.
April 21 - Lou Kohlman and Bob Darcy visited with delegations from Malaysia and the Republic of George on the Status of Women in Oklahoma.
May 1 and 2 –Advisory Council Member Pat Martin was selected to participate in the “Southern Women in Public Service Leadership: Bridging the Political Divide” conference sponsored by Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership.
May 19 – Adeline Yerkes selected as one of two delegates to be a chief advocates for women's leadership and equality from Oklahoma at Vision 2020: An American Conversation about Women and Leadership which focuses on advancing gender equality by energizing the dialogue about women and leadership.
June – Advisory Council Member Lou Kerr co-authored A Cup of Cappuccino for the Entrepreneur’s Spirit, The Women Entrepreneurs’ Edition.